Kanulo: A conversation with Joel Aquino

photo by Joel Aquino 

   I first met Joel Aquino last year at the GenSan Summer Film Camp. If I describe him, he is silent but when you got the chance to talk to him, he speaks sensible and sometimes philosophical topics. This guy is a “sleeping giant”, waiting for the right moment to strike with his unique vision as a filmmaker. In an interview, Joel shares about his film Kanulo (Betrayal) and how he overcomes the challenges in making his first (short) film.

What’s your history as a filmmaker? 

First, let me thank you for this chance to speak about my first ever venture in filmmaking. I will say Titanic is the film that let me aspire to become a great director. I was in high school then and my classmates fell in love with it. I saw that several times already but I fell in love with the film as a whole and became interested in making one. I hope I will also have the chance to make big impact on many people as possible. 

My first exposure on how to make a film was when I joined DV8 (Deviate) filmmaking workshop. It was a project sponsored by the National Youth Commission (NYC) which aimed to promote the millennium goals. Unfortunately, I was not able to finish it. But I continued dreaming. 

It took several years before I got the chance to attend a directing workshop. I was in my late 20s already, the time that I already had the financial resource to support this dream. I attended IIFA’s (International Institute for Film and Arts now known as International Institute for Film, Broadcast and Arts) directing, basic cinematography and production management workshops as facilitated by international commercial director Crispo Mojica. Then, I was still perplexed in the process and still quite intimidated. 

Then through Facebook I discovered Film Gym and met the people who supported me on my first attempt. We were taught by commercial and legendary director Serafin Reyes (he founded Mowelfund Film Institute) whom we fondly call Surf. He taught us about visual language. There, we explored creativity and the importance of basics in filmmaking. 

While attending Film Gym, a classmate told me about GenSan Summer Film Workshop which was headed by director Teng Mangansakan. I got excited. Then, there I met you guys and I found you all to be awesome. Salamindanaw was running in my mind. The agreement that we will do a short film was exciting and at the same time, frightening. What marked in my mind was the creation of story. That was developed in me in that workshop. 

A film exercise during the GenSan Summer Film Camp last year 

After Gensan, I also attended TGT (Talento Galing Tondo) Filmmaking Workshop. It was director Tony Reyes (director of many films that made us laugh), who headed this workshop. I joined in teacher/director Gerry Jumawan’s “Luha ng Kahapon” as an Assistant Director (AD). I also supported a friend’s mini-projects as supporting actor, gaffer and producer. 

Right now, I am attending director Armando Bing Lao’s Found Writing Workshop. 

Where did your idea for Kanulo’s plot come from? 

It was sir Borgy who suggested me to do a horror film project. He said that it’s not common in film festivals. I related that to my past experience of a friend getting possessed. While developing the story I picked up a lot of cues from online resources. Pretty much it is a real life story with spices. 

A scene from Kanulo (Betrayal) 

Can you tell me the challenges that you and your crew encountered during the shooting of the film. 

This is hard to tell but I will be honest that we had encountered a great one. During the shoot we encountered heavy rains, a typhoon was ravaging Luzon. Financial constraint was also a big hindrance. I thought that it will just be a breeze filming Kanulo but it was not the case. We had to re-shoot everything because we’re changing locations. Our budget was just for 2 days but the shoot extended to 5 days and we ran out of cash. Luckily, our Production Designer Icx lent his house so we can complete the said project. Thanks Icx. 

What did you learn from this project? 

As the director of the project I had learned a lot especially dealing with people. There were personal concerns that are until now not yet resolved but I am hoping for the wounds to heal in due time. 

Kanulo is supposed to be screened last year in the 1st Salamindanaw International Film festival. Can you tell me what happened? 

It was an unfortunate situation that Kanulo did not make it for the Salamindanaw International Film Festival. I felt devastated. We had a hard time getting that edited. I just had that project edited early this year. I studied editing for the sake of getting that done but eventually I outsourced the service. Perhaps, it is really not meant to be. 

The suicide scene (photo by Joel Aquino)

I notice your film has good make up and prosthetic. How did you prepare for it? 

I would like to give the credit to Icx Icay, this guy is really talented. He was our Production Designer and special effects master in that project. He’s also part of Lav Diaz’s Norte. It surprised me that he is into Philippine mythology. It helped me channel the feel of Kanulo. Also, my Director of Photography Oliver Cruz, he contributed a lot to the Kanulo project visually. 

Describe Kanulo in one word. 

Choice. 

What’s your dream film project? 

I love to make a film as lavish as Game of Thrones and the likes of Cameron and Bay’s films. l look forward to creating an Asian film similar to Avatar. That’s my visual preference. I understand Filipinos delve more into real life stories, I think I will veer away from that. For now, I can’t really tell and I am about to discover more. 

After Kanulo, what’s next? 

I am looking forward to getting into Cinemalaya and Cannes but much more I love my works to be seen by as many people as possible around the world. I love my name to ring in the ears of many people. I dream to capture the heart of the people through film and the like. That will be my dream. I plan to go mainstream but I am still building my portfolio. 

What advice would give to those who want to pursue filmmaking? 

It is never too late to achieve your dreams. At the age of 30, I am just getting started. Just do it. Rock on!

-KANULO (BETRAYAL)-

Synopsis: 

In life we are always posed with two choices: to gain or to lose. The story revolves around the lives of two friends who were left with a choice that matters a life and death. 

This started when a group of friends dared to call a spirit. They didn’t know that what they called was a fallen angel. This incident caused a breakup in their friendship and family. Jonas was sent to province and got renewed while Job had a hell-like life. Those who cared for him during his struggle died. This forced him to revenge on his birthday.

CAST & CREW 

Director

Joel Aquino

Producers 

Joel Aquino

Henry Iporac

Writers

Joel Aquino

Jane Mariel Andes

Asst. Director

Jennifer Dabu

Cinematographer

Oliver Cruz

1st Asst. Camera

Julienne Rei Sabiniano

Gaffer 

Eugene Adalia

Production Design

Jose Francis “Icx” Icay

Special Effects

Jose Francis “Icx” Icay

Audio

Henry Iporac

Editors 

Jillene Martin Baniqued

Regina Navarrete

Direk Teng Mangansakan

Script Consultant

Storyboard Artists 

Eugene Adalia

Jason Daño

Production Manager 

Jennifer Dabu

Location Manager 

Jose Francis “Icx” Icay

Leo Dilay

Jennifer Dabu

Behind the scenes 

Francis Lumahan

Henry Iporac

Eugene Adalia

Yul Roque

Leo Dilay

Support Staff 

Sherwin Ferrer

-Cast of Characters-

Jonas - Danilo V. Hernandez Jr. 

Job - Leonard Tabigue 

Luna - Julienne Rei Sabiniano 

Bal/Devil - Arthur P. Padillo 

Flagellant #1 - Joseph O. Moslares Jr. 

Flagellant #2 - Manny ‘Macky’ Peñaredondo 

Nona - Roan Kate Villalon 

Grandma - Rosalina Royo 

Dark entity - Jose Francis “Icx” Icay 

Pastor - Joel Aquino 

Friends - Jennifer Dabu & Rex ‘Noy’ Villadares 

-Special Thanks to: 

Jeffrey Sonora & Roxanne Roman 

FPJ Studios 

Icay Family 

Royo Family 

Dilay Family 

Meika Catog 

Chairman and Barangay Council, Barangay Onse, San Juan City 

Natividad Subd. Homeowners Association, Deparo, Caloocan City